Released for the Nintendo Wii in 2007,Super Mario Galaxywas a groundbreaking game. Its gravity mechanics, colorful unique locations, andstoryline was commendedhighly by critics and fans alike. It’s also aged well and is still played and enjoyed by many today.
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The 120 Power Stars are scattered across a universe stuffed full ofunique and memorable galaxies. However, there are some which truly stand out as awe-inspiring and offer a wide range of challenges. The Power Stars can be obtained in a variety of ways, from under strict time limits to exploring and going at one’s own pace. Here are the ten galaxies which have the right to be considered the best.
10Sand Spiral Galaxy
Would most players be inclined to choose Bee Mario or Boo Mario? This galaxy is unique in offering a choice: the first time a Mario game did this. This makes it instantly replayable since players will want to try the other power-up next time!
What’s more, there’s evenanother Power-Upavailable at the end: Rainbow Mario! This makes running along the spiral to grab the Power Star in the middle especially thrilling. Nothing could end this level in a more exhilarating way than racing along the narrowing spiral with Mario barely controllable!
9Good Egg Galaxy
Easily the most iconic of Galaxy’s levels, players are blown away by one of the best orchestral scores in the game as they hop from planetoid to planetoid. There is a lot on offer here in terms of exploration. The glass dome’s antigravity mechanics inA Snack of Cosmic Proportionsin particular is a real treat.
The galaxy as a whole serves as a good introduction to new features exclusive to the game such as Pull Stars. The Dino Piranha boss fight is very memorable. Good Egg is truly nostalgic and invites players to explore and experience many unique locations.
8Space Junk Galaxy
If one galaxy captures the feeling of the vast emptiness of space, it is Space Junk Galaxy. This galaxy utilizes the Pull Star feature the most, which creates an eerie feeling of floating across the darkness of space. It also introduces disappearing paths, making the Speedy comet in particular very tense!
What’s more, even the second Prankster comet comes with a time limit: one of only five Purple Coin collecting challenges to feature this. The levels here are certainly tricky at times, and combined with theemotional soundtrack make it stand outas a galaxy with lots to offer.
7Gusty Garden Galaxy
Stunning visuals and soaring music make Gusty Garden one of the best and most popular galaxies. Like Good Egg, it is easily recognizable and well-known for good reasons. It even sees Mario floating from planetoid to planetoid holding a giant Floaty Fluff: a reference to the Fluff Festival from Galaxy’s predecessorSuper Mario Sunshine.
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It does come with its challenges though; theMajor Burrows Daredevil Runis notably grueling, and any Purple Coin Comet under a time limit is sure to makethe sweat beads appear!
6Sea Slide Galaxy
This galaxy offers lots to explore and enjoy. Levels like collecting Silver Stars and Purple Coins offer a welcome change of pace, inviting players to slow down and explore the entire galaxy in their own time. The floating island in the galaxy’s center is unique to the Silver Star level. Mario can swim right around the galaxy, from the mangrove tree all the way to the lighthouse.
There’s also some fast-paced action to be had, from the shrinking platform planetoid to the wild water races against Guppy and the Penguins.
5Dreadnought Galaxy
Reminiscent ofThe Invisible HandfromtheStar Warsprequelera, Dreadnought Galaxy is a very challenging galaxy, but certainly a rewarding one. Each level starts on a different planet overlooking the Dreadnought, offering unique perspectives each time. This is the only galaxy to implement this feature.
What’s more, it even utilizes the backdrop of Good Egg Galaxy, almost like a callback to how far the player has come by this point. And for fans of the Topmaniac boss,Revenge of the Topman Tribewill be a welcome opportunity to beat him again.
4Honey Hive Galaxy
Honey Hive is a fan-favorite galaxy. Friendly locals, meeting the Toad Brigade for the first time and a pretty setting all add to its charm. But nothing does more so than the Bee Mario Suit! Being able to fly for a limited time only makes exploring this place more fun, now Mario can climb honeycombs and land atop giant flowers.
There are also plenty of fun, unique missions here and the explorative opportunities on offer certainly make this a galaxy to revisit time and again.
3Melty Molten Galaxy
One of the largest galaxies in the game, Melty Molten is also home to some of the toughest levels. Fans of the Ball Rolling gimmick in this game will enjoy the challenge of reaching the Power Star through a hollow cylinder of lava!
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The return of Dino Piranha in a fiery form is, like in Dreadnought Galaxy, a reminder of how much the player has achieved by this point in the game. With its dramatic music and tense gameplay elements, this is a very strong galaxy overall.
2Freezeflame Galaxy
From ice skating to crossing the lava to ice skating on a pool of lava, the levels here are certainly very unique. Fire and ice-themed levels have always been common in Mario games, but Freezeflame executes perfectly the dual opposing themes blending together. This clever concept earns it its place on the list.
But be warned, this galaxy contains many fun yet challenging stars to collect. Players need,as Captain Toadputs it, ‘all the boldness you possess’ to clear the stages successfully and get all the Power Stars.
1Toy Time Galaxy
One of the most colorful and playful galaxies in the game, Toy Time oozes originality and fun. Just looking at the esthetics is certain to bring out the inner child in players! It is the first galaxy to utilize Spring Mario, which immediately ranks it among one of the hardest galaxies to beat.
Another notable feature is its multiple callbacks to previous levels such asFlipswitch Galaxyand Beach Bowl’sCyclone Stoneas well as the beloved Skating from Freezeflame. More so, its music is a rendition ofWorld 1-1fromthe original 1985Super Mario Bros!
